Psychotherapy during Corona crisis

Abstract

The corona infection is peaking in India, and we have seen a surge in mental health problems; sadly the mental health peak is yet to come. The populations hit hardest are the front-line staff, children, elderly, people who live alone, individuals with comorbid health conditions, socially and financially deprived groups, and those who are vulnerable to suffering domestic violence. Alcohol- and drug-dependent individuals have also reported a worsening in their mental health and suicides that could have been prevented have occurred. The financial desperation in society has increased the risk of crime rates. The lockdown has made it difficult for people to use their habitual coping strategies, and access help from their own social and spiritual support systems and the mental health services. This article in intended to help psychotherapists make sense of the unique nature of the corona related psychological problems and to learn new ways of dealing with them.